West Hamilton News

COLUMBUS –The Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 230, legislation to directly combat drug and human trafficking in Ohio, announced bill sponsor, State Rep. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison). Abrams sponsored the legislation alongside State Rep. D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron).

"The crisis our state and our country are facing is catastrophic," said Abrams during House session. "House Bill 230 will save lives. It is what Ohio needs to combat the drug and human trafficking epidemics."

Key provisions of the bill include increasing drug trafficking charges for cocaine, fentanyl-related compounds, heroin, and methamphetamine, expanding the definition of human trafficking, establishing a 5-year mandatory minimum prison term for fentanyl-related deaths, designating August as “Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month,” requiring schools to educate students on the dangers of fentanyl, and allowing law enforcement to conduct oral fluid testing.

In addition to House Bill 230, the Ohio House also passed House Bill 322 sponsored by Abrams. This legislation aims to hold accountable mandatory reporters who fail to report child abuse and individuals who show inappropriate behavior towards minors.

"We have a collective responsibility to protect Ohio children, and House Bill 322 will allow us to do so," said Abrams. "We know when something is wrong, and we must speak up for the sake of our children and the safety of our communities."

Both bills will now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.